New Zealand power hitter Martin Guptill has signed with the Melbourne Renegades for the 12th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League.
The 36-year-old, who is New Zealand’s highest T20 run scorer and one of the world’s premier white ball cricket players, has inked the deal following his contract release from New Zealand Cricket earlier in the week.
Guptill was neglected in the Blackcaps’ T20 World Cup campaign and further overlooked for their current short-format series against India, influencing his decision to look elsewhere.
With nearly 11,000 runs for New Zealand across his career and 320 international appearances, the right-hander will be a valuable asset for the Melbourne franchise.
Guptill will join the Renegades for 10 regular season fixtures following Andre Russell’s four-game stint at the beginning of the tournament.
The right-hander will also be available for the playoffs, should the Renegades qualify.
On his new signing, Guptill has expressed his excitement towards joining the BBL and is ready for the challenge it poses.
“I’m excited to be joining the Renegades and am looking forward to being part of the Big Bash this season,” Guptill said in a press release.
“This is a new challenge for me, and it will be nice to call Melbourne home for the summer. I’ll be trying to make as many runs as I can to help drive the Renegades back up the ladder and push for team success.
“I’ve crossed paths with a few of the guys over the years on the international circuit and know this will be a great team environment to be part of.
"I can’t wait to join up with the team after Christmas and play in front of plenty of Renegades fans at Marvel Stadium and in Geelong.”
Guptill has taken part in the BBL once before in a one-off appearance for the Sydney Thunder 10 years ago.
While Guptill joins the side in late December, the Renegades will begin their season on December 15 against the Brisbane Heat at Cazalys Stadium.